Making a Difference

The mission of the Community Engagement Office is to support Clark’s commitment to the community by building a campus culture that promotes community engagement and socially responsible citizenship in Worcester and beyond. Through collaborations with faculty, individual students and student groups, administrators, and community partners, we engage students in academic and co-curricular opportunities that increase awareness and knowledge of, and skills for, engaged global citizenship. We endeavor to promote positive social change by educating the campus on current social issues and providing forums for honest and thoughtful discussion on social justice topics.

Each fall, the Community Engagement Office sponsors a Community Engagement & Internship Fair to help students connect with local organizations and find a volunteer or internship opportunity that fits their interests and schedule. Clark volunteers spend their time as mentors in the St. Peter's Mentoring Program, working on the local gardens through the Regional Environmental Council, or teaching English as a Second Language with various organizations. There are also over 20 student groups that are community service based, from Clark University Brothers and Sisters (CUBS) to Best Buddies. Whatever your interest and level of experience, the Community Engagement Office can help you find an opportunity that is right for you!

Something for Everyone

For those students reluctant to make a weekly commitment, there are one-time service projects and events throughout the year. Just Do It Day is an annual event each April that recruits more than 200 Clarkies to volunteer at over 15 sites in the Worcester community. We also support fundraisers/walks sponsored by non-profit organizations in the community. Clark students also have their own unique and creative ways of giving back to their local community. Each year about 30 students climb up and down the stairs of Jonas Clark for exactly one hour (11pm-midnight) with the intention of raising money for the YWCA Domestic Violence Prevention Services. The "Stair-A-Thon" is one of a thousand ways that Clarkies give back to their deserved community! The current record for the "Stair-A-Thon" holds a solid 63 laps, so start training now if you plan to compete!

Being an Active Community Member

There is more to community engagement than volunteering your time. An informed and actively engaged citizen is able to speak about local issues and takes time to explore the many recreational and social opportunities available. There are always fun things one can do to support the Worcester community such as rooting for the Worcester Tornados baseball team. If you are more interested in nature, there are dozens of hiking and exploration opportunities that you can do to explore the larger Worcester area. Also, check out the Discover Worcester webpage to learn more about what Worcester has to offer!

Clark University has been recognized for it's commitment to community engagement by being named a Carnegie Community Engaged campus. Clark is one of 361 institutions that hold the Community Engagement classification.

Clark University has been honored with being part of the 2014 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This Honor Roll recognizes institutions of higher education that support exemplary community service programs and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus community partnerships. It is the highest federal recognition an institution of higher education can receive for its community service work.